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BULLYING HURTS AND KEEPS ON HURTING
Newsletter
Bully Beware's free newsletter keeps you up with the latest and hottest news about bullying. Every issue of this free newsletter is jam-packed with great information about bullying, news of our services and special offers for our merchandise. This is a totally spam-free service, as is our entire site, and your e-mail address will be used for nothing but our newsletter. Please send us an e-mail if you would like to submit any stories or experiences to the newsletter or if you have any suggestions.
School Start Up
Parent Alert - Bully Beware!
September means school start-up time in many places in the world, and that means it’s time for parent to be super alert. Bullying is one of the most hurtful and enduring issues in schools today, and too many children still endure this horror silently and with out adult support and help.
There are a few things that parents MUST be aware of and act on if you think your child is being bullied. First, some information about bullying:
- Bullying is a learned behaviour and often children who are bullies are also victims in other circumstances in their lives.
- Bullying is about power and control. Bullies are seeking power and feel that using humiliation, embarrassment and put downs to make themselves appear to be more powerful are acceptable behaviors that further their own means. This strategy works as peers are often fearful of being the next target and are not able to stand up in defense of themselves or their friends.
- Bullying can occur in any situation where children meet together in groups repeatedly, over a period of time. It is not only confined to schoolyards and classrooms.
- Research says that the most likely time for a child to be approached by a bully is at the beginning of a new school experience. That means, school changes, semester changes or even class changes can bring about a sense of uncertainty.
If you are concerned about your child even before school begins, make an appointment with your child’s teacher as soon as you are able, preferable before the beginning of classes or directly after classes are set. If your child has multiple teachers, make an appointment with the school or grade counselor and talk about your concerns. Ask for help for your child.
Watch your child closely and let your “gut” instincts lead you if you feel any need for concern. Stay in touch with the school and ask your child the best and the most challenging things about school. LISTEN and DON’T ever dismiss your child’s feelings as being too sensitive or too emotional.
Be sure that your child feels free to bring friends home for a visit or a play date. As much as possible communicate with your child’s friend’s parents.
If you are able, offer to be the driver on the field trip or the volunteer. The just listen quietly when the children talk to one another. It can be a very interesting and enlightening experience.
Ass much as possible, let your child try to work things out on his/her own, but know when you have to step in. Don’t ever promise to keep secrets about safety in return for information. Always tell your child that you will not make anything worse, but instead promise help in a way that will change things for the better.
School Start Up
Educator's Alert - Bully Beware!
September means school start-up time in many places in the world, and that means it’s time for teachers and other educators to be super alert. Bullying is one of the most hurtful and enduring issues in schools today, and too many children still endure this horror silently and without adult support and help.
There are a few things that educators MUST be aware of and act on if you suspect that bullying occurs in your classroom or your classroom. First, some information about bullying:
- Bullying is a learned behaviour and often children who are bullies are also victims in other circumstances in their lives.
- Bullying is about power and control. Bullies are seeking power and feel that using humiliation, embarrassment and put downs to make themselves appear to be more powerful are acceptable behaviors that further their own means. This strategy works as peers are often fearful of being the next target and are not able to stand up in defense of themselves or their friends.
- Bullying can occur in any situation where children meet together in groups repeatedly, over a period of time. It is not only confined to schoolyards and classrooms.
- Research says that the most likely time for a child to be approached by a bully is at the beginning of a new school experience. That means, school changes, semester changes or even class changes can bring about a sense of uncertainty.
Teachers set a tone right from the beginning of their interactions with children. The school culture and climate is largely set by the teachers and support staff who interact directly with the students, so it is important to begin on a friendly note.
Smile. It really is infectious.
Watch for students who are new to the school or class, and take some time with them so that they can feel more like they belong.
Connect with the counsellor or the last year’s teacher about students who seem to be extra timid to find out if there are some special circumstances you should know about. KNOW YOUR STUDENTS. Find out who has learning needs that call for extra support and be sure that students’ academic programs fall within their abilities.
Call home. Meet with parents. The more communication you have with your students’ parents the better your year will be.
Set up Circles of Support (see Take Action Against Bullying) for students who need that extra support.
Take regular walks around the school grounds during break times and look for isolates or kids being targeted by their peers. Speak to these kids privately to be sure that they feel a connection to the classes.
Find a way for all students to feel that they can contribute.
Get to know your kids and their families.
These are just some beginning ideas that will help you to set up a safe and caring classroom. Please be sure to read October’s newsletters for tips learning how safe the children in your school feel.
If you have any questions or comments, please forward them through the Bully B'ware e-mail address.
September Special for Newsletter Subscribers: How Parent Can take Action Against Bullying
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Canada V3H 3N1
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E-mail: info@bullybeware.com
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